The Easy Way To Prepare For Your First Ride South Of The Border

Author: benny

How do you handle all your cash while you’re traveling in Mexico? How much do you carry? When do you exchange dollars for pesos? Are there ATMs?

These are common questions for travelers. Here are a few things to consider as you plan for your ride south of the border.

General Advice:

ATMs are common and your card from the USA will work almost everywhere. Many travel sites recommend you have a 4 digit pin because 5 digit pin numbers may not work.

Before Leaving Home:

Set up an additional two or three online back accounts in addition to your normal accounts. In the first account (let’s call it the “trip” account), keep “trip money” maybe something like $2,000. While the rest of your savings remains in a separate account. When you’re on the road, you’ll use your “trip” account to get cash (pesos) from ATMs. The reasoning here is that if your card somehow gets stolen, only a limited amount of cash has the potential to be lost. It’s about minimizing your risk.

“My cousin’s roommate’s sister’s former landlord went to Mexico and he didn’t get sick”

“Never eat salad”

There are many rules of thumb we’ve heard about traveling in Mexico. In addition to anecdotal health advice, you should contact a medical professional to make educated decisions about your health. Below is a list of guidelines and information, but of course, you should review with your doctor before making any decisions.

Below is a list of prevention measures and vaccinations to jump start your health planning.

Required Documents

Passport – Must be valid for at least six months longer than the last date of your intended stay in Mexico.

Drivers License – From you state/province/country or an international drivers license. AAA now offers an Inter-American drivers license.

Ownership (Title or Registration) – The name must match your passport and drivers license. Bring originals or REALLY good copies. Make sure the VIN number matches the bike!

Visa – Travelers with passports from the USA, Canada, Australia, and the European Union do not need a visa. Others should consult with their embassy prior to entering Mexico.

Letter of Authorization – If your bike is leased, financed or rented you must provide a letter of authorization from the bank or leasing company. The bank or leasing company usually requires a copy of your full coverage Mexican vehicle insurance policy before they issue the letter of authorization. Bring a copy of your contract too for good measure.

Photocopies – Before leaving home make a few photocopies of each document. Copies will be required at the border and this will save you the hassle of finding the local copy shop. Also, place all of your documents into a binder/folder/envelope. Make things easy on yourself and have all of your documents on hand when requested.

Third party liability insurance is required by law in Mexico. Throughout the many roadside checkpoints in Mexico, police may ask to see your proof of insurance. This isn’t as likely to happen as it is in other Latin American countries, nevertheless, it’s not a good idea to be caught without it. Personally, I’ve never been asked to show proof of insurance.

Some U.S. insurance companies offer insurance coverage in Mexico. However, the coverage is typically only valid in the free trade zone (~25 miles from the US border). Understand that Mexico authorities do not recognize “foreign” insurance. So even if you’re U.S. carrier says that you’re covered, this will only be for your vehicle. Any damage to other people or their property will likely not be covered.

It is important that you purchase insurance from an authorized agency who is incorporated and registered in Mexico before you begin your trip. You can purchase insurance at the border (on either the US or Mexican side). Although most riders choose to order it online before crossing the border. It’s one less thing to think about on border crossing day. It takes only a few minutes to fill out a quote online. You’ll be instantly approved and covered. Print out your papers and be on your way.

Here’s a question I get asked all the time. What are the best paper maps for Mexico?

The answer is actually really simple… Hands down, the best and most trusted and recommended maps are made by Guia Roji. Ask anyone who’s travelled through Mexico which maps they recommend and they will tell you Guia Roji.Continue reading